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1861 $20 Clark, Gruber Twenty Dollar Copper Die Trial, Gilt, XF40 ANACS....
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Sold on Nov 13, 2025 for:
$10,500.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
Description
1861 Clark, Gruber Pattern Twenty, XF40
Gilt Over Copper, Unlisted
1861 $20 Clark, Gruber Twenty Dollar Copper Die Trial, Gilt,
XF40 ANACS. Unlisted in Kagin. A fascinating piece from
territorial Colorado that will provide the serious student of
Western numismatics much to ponder. The dies used to strike this
coin are unlike those listed on page 361 of Kagin's reference on
territorial gold (1981). The standard die trials from this year
show seven stars facing Liberty, rather than the six normally seen
on business strikes. The dies do appear identical to those used for
business strikes though. Stopping here it would be simple enough to
conclude this a die trial struck from the regular dies. However,
the story continues. When closely examined, it is apparent that the
dies were heavily lapped prior to striking. This is especially
noticeable at the bottom of CLARK GRUBER on the reverse, the E in
DENVER, and on several of the obverse stars which are thinner than
normal. We have not been able to locate this die state on any other
die trial or regular issue coins in the Kagin book, the Clifford,
or Garrett Collections, although lesser weakness at the bottom of
the reverse legend letters exists on the regular dies as pictured
on the large images of the 1861 twenty in Donald H. Kagin and
Andrew J. McCarthy's 2023 reference, American's Golden Age:
Private & Pioneer Gold Coins of the United States 1786-1862
(see page 233). Only 20 to 25 of the regular 1861 twenty dollar
circulation strikes are thought to survive.Our conclusion is that this piece was struck after the run of regular issue coins. The dies were heavily lapped, perhaps to remove rust, and then at least this one piece was produced. Technically, one could still class this as a copper die trial, but one with a difference not found on any other die trials we are aware of. The fact that it was struck after the regular issue coins, rather than before, would almost place this piece in the category of a novelty. Softly struck on the hair curls, in the center of the eagle, and on the upper shield lines. The surfaces are minimally marked and show a bright "gilt" appearance overall. Housed in an early generation ANACS holder.
Ex: Dallas Signature (Heritage, 11/2005), lot 5013.
From The Peh Family Collection.
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# F36K, PCGS# 10153, Greysheet# 11755)
Auction Info
2025 November 13 - 14 US Coins Signature® Auction #1387 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2025
13th-14th
Thursday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 44
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 271
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.
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